Automated transaction machine system

#This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically this invention relates to an automated banking machine that enables currency bills, notes or other documents deposited by one customer to be identified and stored in the machine, and later selectively dispensed to another customer.

#Automated banking machines are known in the prior art. A popular type of automated banking machine is an automated teller machine (ATM). Other types of automated banking machines are used to count and dispense cash. These machines are often used by tellers or customer service representatives in banking and other transaction environments.

#Some types of automated banking machines are used to dispense other items such as tickets, travelers checks, coupons, scrip, wagering slips, vouchers or other items of value. Some automated banking machines accept deposits in the form of envelopes, checks, cash or other items. Some automated banking machines can be used for providing credit, making bill payments or to debit or deposit funds in various accounts. For purposes of this disclosure an automated banking machine shall be considered any type of machine which carries out transactions of value.

#FIG. 1 is a schematic cross sectional view of currency recycling automated banking machine of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the functions performed by the machine shown in FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the components of the central transport and the input/output area of the machine.

#Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 there is shown therein a currency recycling automated banking machine of the present invention generally indicated 10. The machine includes a housing 12. Housing 12 includes a customer interface area generally indicated 14. Interface area 14 includes components used for communicating with a user of the machine. These components may include a display 16 which serves as an output device. The interface area may also include a keypad 18 and/or a card reader 20 which serve as manually actuatable input devices through which a user may input information or instructions into the machine. It should be understood that these devices are exemplary and other input and output devices such as a touch screen, display, audio speakers, iris scan devices, fingerprint reading devices, infrared transmitters and receivers and other devices which are capable of receiving or providing information may be used.

#The machine also includes other devices which are indicated schematically. Such devices may include a receipt printer 22 which provides receipts to customers concerning activities related to their transactions. Other devices indicated schematically include a journal printer 24 for making a paper record of transactions. A passbook printer 26 indicated schematically may also be included within the housing of the machine. A check imaging device 28 may also be included for purposes of producing electronic images of checks deposited into the machine as well as for cancelling such checks. Such a check imaging device may be of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,467 or other similar mechanism.

#Devices 22, 24, 26 and 28 are exemplary and other devices may also be included in the machine such as video cameras for connecting to a remote location, an envelope deposit accepting mechanism, ticket printing devices, devices for printing statements and other devices. It should further be understood that while the embodiment described herein is in the form of an automated teller machine (ATM) the present invention may be used in connection with other types of automated banking machines.